Eat the Rainbow

I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase “Eat the rainbow” and obviously not Skittles!!! Eating the rainbow can be vital when you are serious not just about being lighter, but healthier too!

Thinking about all the various colours available to us in the shops really opens how easy it can be to be far more colourful and adventurous than was ever imaginable years ago. But the real question is, why should I and what foods have which properties and benefits, so here goes……..

Red – Antioxidants, cholesterol, cancer and heart disease

Strawberries, raw beef, cherries, cranberries, tomatoes, apple, peppers, pomegranate, kidney beans, cabbage, wine, lentils, potatoes, watermelon, grapes, ketchup, lettuce, jam, jelly, rhubarb, onion, raspberries, radishes, salmon

Orange –Antioxidants, boost immune system, eyesight

Carrots, sweet potato, apricots, butternut squash, cantaloupe melon, oranges, kumquats, mango, pepper, tomatoes, persimmon, papaya, peach, pumpkin, baked beans, marmalade, jelly

Yellow – Nervous system, eye health, heart disease, skin, bones, immune system

Banana, butter/spread, cheese, corn, honey, egg, lemon, jackfruit, turmeric, saffron, starfruit, tomatoes, peppers, pineapple, mustard, salad cream, mayonnaise, lemon curd

Green – Healthy blood flow, cardiovascular and heart health

Apples, broccoli, avocado, kale, brussels, edamame spinach, dill, parsley, basil, green beans, pepper, asparagus, green tea, mung beans, pear, cucumber, celery, peas, cabbage, grapes, kiwi, guacamole, pesto, okra, lettuce, courgettes, limes, olives, gooseberry, leek, jam, jelly

Blue – Good for brain, heart function, cancer, blood pressure – the colour suppresses appetites many dietitians suggest eating from blue plates/bowls as you would eat less

Blueberries, borage, blue cheese, carrots (originally blue), grapes (concord), potato, sage, tomatoes, olives (Sri Lanka), fig, Persian blue sea salt,

Purple – Mental health, chronic disease, immune system

Aubergine, beetroot, plums, blackcurrants, peppers, carrots, blackberries, turnip, grapes, elderberries, liver, potatoes, jam, jelly

White – support immune system to fight off infection, help lower cholesterol and blood pressure

Parsnip, potato, cauliflower, milk, bread, rice, pasta, yoghurt, mushrooms, tofu, onion, popcorn, oats, egg whites, fish, scallops, sugar, coconut, ice cream, garlic, white cheese (feta), cannellini beans, butter beans, chick peas, salt, flour

So now we have all of the rainbow foods. Imagine how creative you can be when putting your meals together. Another massive bonus is that it takes you longer to eat and contains many different textures too. Which all combines to making your meals more satisfying, and when you are more satisfied with what’s on your plate you are more likely to stay in control

You will find your pot of goal when you follow your rainbow foods!!

jackie and sonya